To describe the association between perception of exertion and exercise, 138 men at retirement, mean age 62.7 years, were studied before and after a one-year program of exercise. VO2max and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg psychophysical scale were determined by a continuous exercise treadmill protocol to fatigue. The men were randomly assigned to an exercise program (n = 69) or control (n = 69). The program consisted of walking or jogging for 30 min, 3 times per week for one year. After training, the activity group showed a significant improvement in VO2max (12%). Linear regression analysis was used to relate RPE to selected physiological measurements for control and activity groups. The equations for the before and after training relationships were compared. Changes in the relationship of RPE versus VO2 and Ve, after training, were not significant for the activity group. However, the control group showed significant changes in these relationships at one year post retirement. For VO2 and Ve, ratings were 1 to 2 units higher than at time of retirement. Results indicate that perception of a physical task normally changes at retirement such that a given amount of exertion may seem subjectively greater. Results also suggest that a structured exercise program is successful at maintaining perception of task at pre-retirement levels. This maintenance of a low rating of perception may retard a reluctance to be physically active which often accompanies ageing.

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